Senior Category Manager - Meat & Poultry
* Full-time
* Vacancy Type: Temporary
* Travel: Regular travel to specific sites
Brakes is recruiting for a Senior Category Manager - Meat & Poultry to join the Merchandising team on a 9-12 month fixed-term contract, reporting to the Category Merchandising Director.
This role involves developing and executing a category plan to support range development and achieve in-year margin targets. Responsibilities include range management, NPD, promotions, cross-selling, customer marketing, and pricing. The role requires delivering insightful performance analysis and owning the category's presence in all communications, both internal and external. The ideal candidate has broad commercial experience in a Head Office Retail, Foodservice, or a blue-chip food manufacturing environment.
Work is hybrid, with 1-2 days in our Ashford, Kent office, requiring flexibility for meetings across the UK. A full, clean driving license is essential.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
1. Analyze customer, market, and supplier insights to create strategies that meet sales and margin targets.
2. Review monthly category performance and adapt strategies accordingly.
3. Manage all in-year deliverables, including range planning, NPD, and activation.
4. Project manage the Sysco 6 Stage Category Management programme.
5. Run promotions and implement pricing strategies to protect and grow the business.
6. Support strategic priorities and develop relationships with partner suppliers.
7. Manage the annual marketing plan, including supplier activation.
8. Support sustainability initiatives and ensure recognition with accreditation bodies.
9. Present to and train sales teams on category insights and strategies.
10. Ensure accuracy of category data and content across platforms.
About you:
The ideal candidate is results-driven with proven financial, commercial, or procurement skills, and experience in driving sales and margins. You should be adept at using consumer insights, competitive assessments, pricing, and financial analysis. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and Tableau is required. A professional qualification in Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, or CIPS is desirable.
What you will receive:
* A competitive salary & annual bonus
* Company car or cash allowance of £7,000/year
* Enrolment in the Sysco Pension Scheme
* Life assurance, private healthcare, and other benefits
At Brakes, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive culture. We support all candidates through our recruitment process and are happy to make accommodations as needed.
Brakes is the UK’s largest foodservice supplier, delivering quality food and ingredients nationwide. Join us and be part of a growing team dedicated to excellence in foodservice.
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